Two-component bump metallization

ABSTRACT

A technique relates to a structure. An under-bump-metallization (UBM) structure includes a first region and a second region. The first and second regions are laterally positioned in the UBM structure. The first region includes a superconducting material. A substrate opposes the UBM structure. A superconducting solder material joins the first region to the substrate and the second region to the substrate.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with U.S. Government support. The U.S.Government has certain rights in this invention

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to coupling electronic signalsinto and out of an integrated circuit (IC). More specifically, thepresent invention relates to systems, fabrication methodologies andresulting bump metallization structures which provide superconductingelectrical coupling and secure mechanical adhesion between a bump andthe metallization structure.

Semiconductor devices are used in a variety of electronic andelectro-optical applications. ICs are typically formed from variouscircuit configurations of semiconductor devices formed on semiconductorwafers. Alternatively, semiconductor devices can be formed as monolithicdevices, e.g., discrete devices. Semiconductor devices are formed onsemiconductor wafers by depositing many types of thin films of materialover the semiconductor wafers, patterning the thin films, dopingselective regions of the semiconductor wafers, etc.

In a conventional semiconductor fabrication process, a large number ofsemiconductor devices are fabricated in a single wafer. CMOS(complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) is the semiconductorfabrication technology used to form the transistors that aremanufactured into most of today's computer microchips. In CMOStechnology, both n-type and p-type transistors are used in acomplementary way to form a current gate that forms an effective meansof electrical control. Processing operations performed later in CMOStechnology fabrication sequences are referred to as back-end-of-line(BEOL) CMOS processing, and processing steps performed earlier in CMOStechnology fabrication sequences are referred to as front-end-of-line(FEOL) CMOS processing.

After completion of device level and interconnect level fabricationprocesses, the semiconductor devices on the wafer are separated intomicro-chips (i.e., chips), and the final product is packaged. IC (orchip) packaging typically involves encasing the silicon chip(s) inside ahermetically sealed plastic, metal or ceramic package that prevents thechip(s) from being damaged by exposure to dust, moisture or contact withother objects. IC packaging also allows easier connections to a PCB. Thepurpose of a PCB is to connect ICs and discreet components together toform larger operational circuits. Other parts that can be mounted to thePCB include card sockets, microwave connectors, and the like.

Wire bonding is a known BEOL operation for forming electricalinterconnections between a PCB and other components (e.g., externalcomponents, card sockets, microwave connectors, chip carriers, etc.). Inwire bonding, a length of small diameter soft metal wire (e.g., gold(Au), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and the like) is attachedor bonded without the use of solder to a compatible metallic surface orpad mounted on a PCB. The actual bond between the wire and the pad canbe formed in a variety of ways, including the use of thermo-compression,thermo-sonic and ultrasonic techniques. Although wire bonding is widelyused, the additional wire bond hardware, particularly in microwave/radiofrequency (RF) applications, is manually intensive to fabricate, suffersfrom low temperature CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) mismatches,is difficult to reliably repeat, causes signal path problems, increasescost, adds bulk and introduces extraneous microwave cavity modes.

So called “flip chip” assembly methodologies provide an alternative towire bonding. Flip Chip assembly is the direct electrical connection offace-down (i.e., flipped) electronic die onto organic or ceramic circuitboards by means of conductive bumps on the chip bond pads, which arealso known as “under bump metallization” (UBM). The conductive bumps canbe formed as small spheres of solder (i.e., solder balls), which arebonded to contact areas or pads of semiconductor devices. A conventionalflip chip assembly methodology can include placing solder material on asemiconductor chip/substrate, flipping the chip over, aligning thesolder with the contact pads (i.e., UBM) on the chip, and re-flowing thesolder in a furnace to form the solder into spherical shapes andestablish the bonding between the solder bumps, the UBM and the chip.Flip chip assembly methodologies can provide electrical connections withminute parasitic inductances and capacitances. In addition, the contactpads (i.e., UBMs) are distributed over the entire chip surface ratherthan being confined to the periphery, as in wire bonding. As a result,the chip area is used more efficiently, the maximum number ofinterconnects is increased, and signal interconnections are shortened.Accordingly, flip chip assembly methodologies have advantages overtraditional face-up wire bonding techniques including real-estateutilization, performance, reliability, and cost.

For chip configurations in which bump bonds carry electronic data andother signals into and out of a chip, it can be desirable to minimizesignal loss from the electronic data and other signals that are carriedacross bump bonds. One method of minimizing such signal loss is toconfigure the bump/UBM interface to be fully superconductive. Ingeneral, superconductivity is the ability of certain materials toconduct electric current with practically zero resistance.

In many cases, the bump metal of choice is indium or indium alloys, withthe material deposited in various ways onto a compatible UBM film stack.Because the thick indium-based bump metal is deposited in a separateprocess from the UBM films, certain constraints are placed on thecomposition of the UBM film. In particular, the top surface of the UBMshould not be oxidized during indium deposition/plating in order to forma good bond between the indium alloy and the UBM. As a result, it can bedesirable to use materials which form strong adhesion to the UBM stack.Materials which form such a mechanical bond may well not form asuperconducting connection (and in fact may not even provide anelectrical contact). For example, noble metal on the UBM films canprovide superior mechanical/metallic connections because little to nooxide is present on the noble metal surface, while possibly notproviding a superconducting contact. Noble metals are particularlyattractive to provide a mechanical bond because the level of oxidationon the surface of noble metals, even in a moist environment, is verylow.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a structure. A non-limitingexample of the structure includes an under-bump-metallization (UBM)structure comprising a first region and a second region, the first andsecond regions being laterally positioned in the UBM structure, wherethe first region comprises a superconducting material. The structureincludes a substrate opposing the UBM structure and a superconductingsolder material joining the first region to the substrate and the secondregion to the substrate.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a structure. A non-limitingexample of the structure includes a first under-bump-metallization (UBM)structure comprising a first region and a second region, the first andsecond regions being laterally positioned in the first UBM structure,the first UBM structure being connected to a first substrate. Thestructure includes a second UBM structure comprising another firstregion and another second region, the another first and another secondregions being laterally positioned in the second UBM structure, thesecond UBM structure being connected to a second substrate. Also, thestructure includes a superconducting solder material joining the firstregion and the second region of the first UBM structure to the anotherfirst region and the another second region of the second UBM structure,where the first region and the another first region comprisesuperconducting material.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system. A non-limitingexample of the system includes a device. The device includes anunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first region and asecond region, the first and second regions being laterally positionedin the UBM structure, wherein the first region comprises asuperconducting material. The device includes a substrate opposing theUBM structure and a superconducting solder material joining the firstregion to the substrate and the second region to the substrate. Also,the system includes a cooling system configured to reduce a temperatureto a superconducting temperature associated with the device.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of forming adevice. A non-limiting example of the method includes providing anunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first region and asecond region, the first and second regions being laterally positionedin the UBM structure, where the first region comprises a superconductingmaterial. The method includes providing a substrate opposing the UBMstructure and joining the substrate to the first region and to thesecond region with a superconducting solder material.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to method of forming a device.A non-limiting example of the method includes providing a firstunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first region and asecond region, the first and second regions being laterally positionedin the first UBM structure, the first UBM structure being connected to afirst substrate. The method includes providing a second UBM structurecomprising another first region and another second region, the anotherfirst and another second regions being laterally positioned in thesecond UBM structure, the second UBM structure being connected to asecond substrate. Also, the method includes joining the first region andthe second region of the first UBM structure to the another first regionand the another second region of the second UBM structure with asuperconducting solder material joining, where the first region and theanother first region comprise superconducting material.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesdescribed herein. Other embodiments and aspects are described in detailherein. For a better understanding, refer to the description and to thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the present invention isparticularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at theconclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features andadvantages are apparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a two-component UBM structureaccording to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of another two-component UBMstructure according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of a UBM structure after afabrication operation according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3B depicts a top-down view of the UBM structure shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of a UBM structure after afabrication operation according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4B depicts a top-down view of the UBM structure shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A depicts a cross-sectional view of a UBM structure after afabrication operation according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5B depicts a top-down view of the UBM structure shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view of another two-component UBMstructure according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6B depicts a top-down view of the bottom/top two-component UBMstructure according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a method of forming a two-component UBM structure to bebonded with a substrate according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8A depicts a method of forming top and bottom two-component UBMstructures to be bond top and bottom substrates according to embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 8B continues the method of forming top and bottom two-component UBMstructures to be bond top and bottom substrates according to embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart of forming a device according to embodimentsof the invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart of forming a device according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the device illustratingfurther details of the substrates according to embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 12 depicts a system according to embodiments of the invention.

In the accompanying figures and following detailed description of thedisclosed embodiments, the various elements illustrated in the figuresare provided with three or four digit reference numbers. The leftmostdigit(s) of each reference number corresponds to the figure in which itselement is first illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is understood in advance that, although this detailed descriptionincludes a description of attaching a specific type of microwaveconnector to interconnect metallurgy on a silicon wafer/chip,implementation of the teachings recited herein are not necessarilylimited to a particular type of connector or transmission architecture.Rather embodiments of the present invention are capable of beingimplemented in conjunction with any other type of connector ortransmission architecture, now known or later developed.

Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein withreference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments can bedevised without departing from the scope of this invention. It is notedthat various connections and positional relationships (e.g., over,below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between elements in the followingdescription and in the drawings. These connections and/or positionalrelationships, unless specified otherwise, can be direct or indirect,and the described embodiments of the present invention are not intendedto be limiting in this respect. Accordingly, a coupling of entities canrefer to either a direct or an indirect coupling, and a positionalrelationship between entities can be a direct or indirect positionalrelationship. As an example of an indirect positional relationship,references in the detailed description to forming layer “A” over layer“B” include situations in which one or more intermediate layers (e.g.,layer “C”) is between layer “A” and layer “B” as long as the relevantcharacteristics and functionalities of layer “A” and layer “B” are notsubstantially changed by the intermediate layer(s).

Spatially relative terms, e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (i.e., rotated 90degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relativedescriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related tosemiconductor device and IC fabrication may or may not be described indetail herein. Moreover, the various tasks and process steps describedherein can be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure orprocess having additional steps or functionality not described in detailherein. In particular, various steps in the manufacture of semiconductordevices and semiconductor-based ICs are well known and so, in theinterest of brevity, many conventional steps will only be mentionedbriefly herein or will be omitted entirely without providing thewell-known process details.

As previously noted herein, after completion of device level andinterconnect level fabrication processes, the semiconductor devices onthe wafer are separated into micro-chips (i.e., chips), and the finalproducts is packaged. IC packaging typically involves encasing thesilicon chip(s) inside a hermetically sealed plastic, metal or ceramicpackage that prevents the chip(s) from being damaged by exposure todust, moisture or contact with other objects. IC packaging also allowseasier connections to a PCB. The purpose of a PCB is to connect ICs anddiscreet components together to form larger operational circuits. Otherparts that can be mounted to the PCB include card sockets, microwaveconnectors, and the like.

Wire bonding is a known BEOL operation for forming electricalinterconnections between a PCB and other components (e.g., externalcomponents, card sockets, microwave connectors, etc.). In wire bonding,a length of small diameter soft metal wire (e.g., Au, Cu, Ag, Al, andthe like) is attached or bonded with the use of solder to a compatiblemetallic surface or pad mounted on a PCB. The actual bond between thewire and the pad can be formed in a variety of ways, includingthermo-compression, thermo-sonic and ultrasonic techniques. Althoughwire bonding is widely used, the additional wire bond hardware,particularly in microwave/RF applications, is manually intensive tofabricate, suffers from low temperature CTE mismatches, is difficult toreliably repeat, causes signal path problems, increases cost, adds bulkand introduces extraneous microwave cavity modes.

As previously described, so called “flip chip” assembly methodologiesprovide an alternative to wire bonding. Flip Chip assembly is the directelectrical connection of face-down (i.e., flipped) electronic die ontoorganic or ceramic circuit boards by means of conductive bumps on thechip bond pads, which are also known as “under bump metallization”(UBM). The conductive bumps can be formed as small spheres of solder(i.e., solder balls), which are bonded to contact areas or pads ofsemiconductor devices. Flip chip assembly methodologies have advantagesover traditional face-up wire bonding techniques including real-estateutilization, performance, reliability, and cost.

For chip configurations in which bump bonds carry electronic data andother signals into and out of a chip, it can be desirable to minimizesignal loss from the electronic data and other signals that are carriedacross bump bonds. One method of minimizing such signal loss is toconfigure the bump/UBM connection into or from the chip such that theconnection is fully superconducting. It can also be desirable to havestrong mechanical/metallic adhesion between the bump/UBM and the chips.A strong adhesion can be achieved by forming the UBM from a noble metal,which can provide superior mechanical/metallic connections becauselittle to no oxide is present on the noble metal UBM surface.

Turning now to an overview of aspects of the present invention,embodiments of the invention provide systems, methodologies andresulting UBM structures that are fully superconducting and providesuperior mechanical/metallic bonding. According to embodiments of theinvention, the UBM includes two components/regions, namely, a bondingcomponent/region and a conductive component/region. The bonding regionis electrically coupled and mechanically bonded to a solder bump, andthe conductive region is also electrically coupled and mechanicallybonded to the solder bump.

According to embodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond providedby the bonding region is superior to the mechanical bond provided by theconductive region. Accordingly, the overall mechanical bond provided bythe novel UBM structure (i.e., the conductive region and the bondingregion) is a superior mechanical bond. In embodiments of the invention,the mechanical bond provided by the bonding region is improved over themechanical bond provided by the conductive region by forming the bondregion from a material that resists oxidation. Accordingly, inembodiments of the invention, the bond region is formed from a materialhaving a lower level of surface oxidation than the material that formsthe conductive region.

In embodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond between the bondingregion and the solder bump is a metallic bond, which can be defined (inone case) as the bonding that results from the attraction between metalions and a “surrounding sea” of electrons. One way to measure thestrength of metallic bonding provided by a given material is thatmaterial's enthalpy (heat) of vaporization. The enthalpy of vaporization(ΔHvap), also known as the heat of vaporization or heat of evaporation,is the energy required to transform a given quantity of a substance intoa gas. In general, a metal having a higher enthalpy of vaporization thananother metal means that the metal having the higher enthalpy ofvaporization can form a stronger metallic bond. According to embodimentsof the invention, the bonding region is formed from materials having ahigher enthalpy of vaporization than the materials that form theconductive region.

In embodiments of the invention, the bonding region is formed from anoble metal that is non-superconducting. In chemistry, the noble metalsare metals that are resistant to corrosion and oxidation in moist air(unlike most base metals). Chemically noble metals include ruthenium,rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. Thebonding region can be formed from a stack having multiple layers, whichcan, in some embodiments of the invention, be selected from the groupconsisting of titanium (ΔHvap=425 KJ/mol), palladium (ΔHvap=380 KJ/mol),and gold (ΔHvap=330 KJ/mol). In embodiments of the invention, theexposed surface layer of the bonding region is wettable to improvecontact between the bonding region and the solder bump.

According to embodiments of the invention, the electrical couplingprovided by the conductive region is superior to the electrical couplingprovided by the bonding region. One way to measure electrical couplingis resistance. In embodiments of the invention, the conductive region isformed from materials having lower electrical resistance than thematerials that form the bonding region. Importantly, the connectionbetween the bump and the conductive region of the UBM is lowerresistance as well, distinguishing between the resistance of either thebump or conductive region material themselves. Accordingly, the overallelectrical coupling provided by the novel UBM structure (i.e., theconductive region and the bonding region) is superior, low resistanceelectrical coupling.

In embodiments of the invention, the conductive region is formed from amaterial having superconductivity properties. Superconductivity is theability of certain materials to conduct electric current withpractically zero resistance. For a material to behave as asuperconductor, low temperatures (e.g., in the single digit Kelvin rangeor up to temperatures in the range of 100 K or even higher) arerequired. The conductive region can be formed from a superconductingmetal, which can, in some embodiments of the invention, be selected fromthe group consisting of tantalum, aluminum, and other similarsuperconducting metals. The conductive region can be formed from asuperconducting ceramic, which can, in some embodiments of theinvention, be titanium nitride, or any and other similar superconductingceramics.

In embodiments of the invention, the surface area of the bump/UBMinterface can be selectively and dynamically allocated between the bondregion and the conductive region in order to achieve the desired bondingproperties and electrical coupling properties. For example, it can beseen that, based on the chosen bump/UBM materials, superconductivity isprovided between the bump/UBM interface in the conductive region. Forsuperconductivity, there should be contact reliability between the bumpand UBM materials, and larger bump/UBM interface areas will work more ofthe time; considerations for the bump/UBM interface may include that itis a) large enough to be superconducting which is a coherence lengthsize scale of this order, b) large enough to avoid inductance effects byhaving too fine a wire, and/or c) large enough to allow sufficientcurrent-carrying capacity. In this situation, the surface area of thebump/UBM interface can be selectively and dynamically allocated toprovide 20% of the bump/UBM interface area to the conductive region and80% of the bump/UBM interface area to the bond region. In anotherexample, it can be determined that, based on the chosen bump/UBMmaterials, sufficient bump/UBM adhesion is provided by allocating 60% ofthe bump/UBM interface area to the bond region. In this situation, thesurface area of the bump/UBM interface can be selectively allocated toprovide 60% of the bump/UBM interface area to the bond region and 40% ofthe bump/UBM interface area to the conductive region.

Embodiments of the invention provide novel fabrication methodologies forforming the two-component UBM and attaching the UBM to the bump suchthat the bump contacts the bonding region and the conductive region ofthe UBM structure. In embodiments of the invention, the bonding regionis formed as a circle to match the spherical contour of the bump, andthe conductive region is formed as an annular ring around the circularbonding region (in one case). During fabrication, initial contact ismade between the bump and the circular bonding region, and the bump issubsequently compressed (e.g., during a thermo-compression bondingoperation) using sufficient force to cause the bump to deform againstthe two-component UBM structure enough that the bump/UBM interface, ineffect, spreads out, and the deformed bump comes into contact with theannular ring-shaped conductive region of the UBM structure. Inembodiments of the invention, the circular bonding region is thinnerthan the annular ring-shaped conduction region in order to reduce theamount of force needed to bring the deformed bump into contact with theannular ring-shaped conductive region.

Embodiments of the invention can be utilized to provide a bump bondbetween first and second semiconductor wafers. In such configurations,the bump can be provided with a first two-component UBM at theconnection between the bump and the first semiconductor wafer, alongwith a second two-component UBM at the connection between the bump andthe second semiconductor wafer. It is noted that the secondtwo-component UBM can be referred to as a bond metallurgy instead ofUBM.

Turning now to a more detailed description of aspects of the invention,FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a device 10 which includes abump/UBM interface 100 having a two-component UBM structure 120according to embodiments of the invention. The cross-sectional viewshown in FIG. 1 depicts a bottom semiconductor wafer/substrate 102, atop semiconductor wafer/substrate 102, a solder ball/bump 110, and atwo-component UBM structure 120 having a bonding region 126 (e.g., anon-oxidizing metal) and a conductive region 122 (e.g., asuperconducting annular ring), configured and arranged as shown.

The bonding region 126 is electrically coupled and mechanically bondedto the solder ball 110, and the conductive region 122 is alsoelectrically coupled and mechanically bonded to the solder ball 110.According to embodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond providedby the bonding region 126 is superior to the mechanical bond provided bythe conductive region 122. Accordingly, the overall mechanical bondprovided by the novel UBM structure 120 (i.e., the conductive region 122and the bonding region 126) is a superior mechanical bond. Inembodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond provided by thebonding region 126 is improved over the mechanical bond provided by theconductive region 122 by forming the bonding region 126 from a materialthat resists oxidation. Accordingly, in embodiments of the invention,the bond region 126 is formed from a material having a lower level ofsurface oxidation than the material that forms the conductive region122.

In embodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond between the bondingregion 126 and the solder ball 110 is a metallic bond, which can bedefined as the chemical bonding that results from the attraction betweenmetal ions and a “surrounding sea” of electrons. One way to measure thestrength of metallic bonding provided by a given material is thematerial's enthalpy (heat) of vaporization. According to embodiments ofthe invention, the bonding region 126 is formed from materials having ahigher enthalpy of vaporization than the materials that form theconductive region 122.

In embodiments of the invention, the bonding region 126 can be formedfrom a noble metal that is non-superconducting. The bonding region 126can be formed from a stack having multiple layers, which can, in someembodiments of the invention, be selected from the group consisting oftitanium (ΔHvap=425 KJ/mol), palladium (ΔHvap=380 KJ/mol), and gold(ΔHvap=330 KJ/mol). In embodiments of the invention, the exposed surfacelayer of the bonding region 126 is wettable to improve contact betweenthe bonding region 126 and the solder ball 110.

According to embodiments of the invention, the electrical couplingprovided by the conductive region 122 is superior to the electricalcoupling provided by the bonding region 126. One way to measureelectrical coupling is resistance. In embodiments of the invention, theconductive region 122 is formed from materials having lower electricalresistance than the materials that form the bonding region 126.Accordingly, the overall electrical coupling provided by the novel UBMstructure 120 (i.e., the conductive region 122 and the bonding region126) is superior, low resistance electrical coupling.

In embodiments of the invention, the conductive region 122 is formedfrom a material having superconductivity properties. The conductiveregion 122 can be formed from a superconducting metal, which can, insome embodiments of the invention, be selected from the group consistingof titanium nitride, tantalum, aluminum, and other similarsuperconducting metals.

In embodiments of the invention, the surface area of the bump 110/UBM120 interface can be selectively and dynamically allocated between thebond region 126 and the conductive region 122 in order to achieve thedesired bonding properties and electrical coupling properties. Forexample, it can be determined that, based on the chosen bump 110/UBM 120materials, full superconductivity can be provided by allocating at least20% of the bump 110/UBM 120 interface to the conductive region 122. Inthis situation, the surface area of the bump 110/UBM 120 interface canbe selectively and dynamically allocated to provide 20% of the bump110/UBM 120 interface area to the conductive region and 80% of the bump110/UBM 120 interface area to the bond region 126. In another example,it can be determined that, based on the chosen bump 110/UBM 120materials, sufficient bump 110/UBM 120 adhesion is provided byallocating 60% of the bump 110/UBM 120 interface area to the bond region126. In this situation, the surface area of the bump 110/UBM 120interface can be selectively allocated to provide 60% of the bump110/UBM 120 interface area to the bond region 126 and 40% of the bump110/UBM 120 interface area to the conductive region 122.

In embodiments of the invention, the bonding region 126 can be formed asa circle (best shown in FIG. 4B) to match the spherical contour of thesolder ball 110, and the conductive region 122 can be formed as anannular ring (best shown in FIG. 4B) around the circular bonding region126. It should be appreciated that there are many different shapes thatcan be used for the bonding region 126 and the conductive region 122.

During fabrication, initial contact is made between the solder ball 110and the circular bonding region 126, and the solder ball 110 issubsequently compressed (e.g., during a thermo-compression bondingoperation) using sufficient force to cause the solder ball 110 to deformagainst the two-component UBM 120 enough that the bump 110/UBM 120interface, in effect, spreads out, and the deformed solder ball 110comes into contact with the annular ring-shaped conductive region 122 ofthe UBM 120. In embodiments of the invention, the circular bondingregion 126 can be made thinner than the annular ring-shaped conductiveregion 122 in order to reduce the amount of force needed to bring thedeformed solder ball 110 into contact with the annular ring-shapedconductive region 122. Additional details of a fabrication methodologyaccording to embodiments of the invention are provided herein inconnection with the methodologies 700, 800 shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B.

In some embodiments of the invention, two two-component UBM structurescan be provided on opposing sides of the solder ball. FIG. 2 depicts across-sectional view of a modified device 10 which includes a bump/UBMinterface 100 having a first two-component UBM structure 120 and asecond two-component UBM structure 220 according to embodiments of theinvention. The first two-component UBM structure 120 and the secondtwo-component UBM structure 220 are substantially the same as thetwo-component UBM 120 shown in FIG. 1.

A fabrication methodology for forming various stages of the bump/UBMinterface 100 according to embodiments of the present invention will nowbe described with reference to FIGS. 3A-7. More specifically, FIGS.3A-5B illustrate the bump/UBM interface 100 after various fabricationstages, and FIG. 7 depicts a fabrication methodology 700 thatcorresponds to the fabrication stages shown in FIGS. 3A-5B. Thefollowing description will refer alternatively to the fabrication stagesdepicted in FIGS. 3A-5B, and the corresponding operation(s) ofmethodology 700 depicted in FIG. 7. It is noted that the bump/UBMinterfaces 100 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-5B are greatly simplified forease of illustration and description. In practice, a bump/UBM interfaceembodying aspects of the present invention can include multipleconfigurations of wafers, wafer circuitry, interconnect layers, bondlayers and solder layers.

FIG. 3A depicts a cross-sectional view of the bump/UBM interface 100after an initial fabrication stage according to embodiments of theinvention, and FIG. 3B depicts a top-down view of the bump/UBM interface100 shown in FIG. 3A. The bump/UBM interface 100 as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B can be formed by depositing a superconducting metal (e.g.,niobium, TiN, Ta, Al, or similar material). The thickness of thesuperconducting metal can range from about 20 nm to about 400 nm. Thesuperconducting metal can be patterned and etched to form the annularring-shaped conductive region 122 having a circular opening 302 or anyother desired pattern. The annular ring-shaped conductive region 122 canbe connected to structures of interest on the bottom semiconductorwafer/substrate 102 through the superconducting metal.

FIG. 4A depicts a cross-sectional view of the bump/UBM interface 100after forming the bonding region 126 in the circular opening 302, andFIG. 4B depicts a top-down view of the bump/UBM interface 100 shown inFIG. 4A. In embodiments of the invention, the bonding region 126 can beformed from a non-superconducting, non-oxidizing metal. The bondingregion 126 can be formed by using a liftoff resist scheme to deposit thenon-superconducting metal into the circular opening 302. In oneimplementation, the non-superconducting metal in the circular opening302 can be a Ti/Pd/Au composition/stack, in which the Ti is formed onthe bottom substrate, Pd is formed on the Ti, and the Au is formed onthe Pd. There can be other stacks of materials used as thenon-superconducting metal in the circular opening 302.

FIG. 5A depicts a cross-sectional view of the bump/UBM interface 100after forming the solder ball 110, and FIG. 5B depicts a top-down viewof the bump/UBM interface 100 shown in FIG. 5A. The solder ball 110 canbe deposited using known methods such as, for example, electroplating,evaporation, sputtering, or injection molding (e.g., using a mask).Also, mold backfill methods can be utilized to deposit the solder ball110, and other deposition methods are also suitable. The solder ball 110can be formed from indium/indium-alloys and flux. Also, flip chipbumping technology can be utilized, which melts bulk solder anddispenses the same into a wafer-sized mold, which is CTE matched to thebottom semiconductor wafer 102. After cooling to solidify the solder,the solder is formed the bottom semiconductor substrate 102 in thedesired shape. The bottom semiconductor substrate 102 can now beindependently subjected to a final solder reflow methodology to obtainspherically shaped solder balls 110.

The heating for the reflow process can be accomplished by passing thebump/UBM structure 100 through a reflow oven or under an infrared lampor by soldering the bond/solder layer stack with a hot air pencil. Thereflow process melts the solder ball 110 and heats the adjoiningsurfaces without overheating and damaging the electrical components. Anexemplary reflow process can include four stages or zones, namelypreheat, thermal soak, reflow and cooling, wherein each stage has adistinct thermal profile. An exemplary reflow process is conducted in anacid environment using, for example, formic acid). The acid environmentensures that the solder remains clean during reflow. The post-reflowsolder ball 110 is compliant, particularly when the solder ball 110 isindium, which mitigates the impact of CTE mismatches. After the solderis reflowed into a sphere to form the solder balls 110, the solder ball110 and the bottom semiconductor substrate 102 (including the conductiveregions 122) are cleaned using standard procedures to remove oxides.

As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the bump/UBM structure 100 is now ready toreceive the top semiconductor substrate 104 (e.g., using a chip bonder).A prepared top semiconductor substrate 104 is bonded to the preparedbottom semiconductor substrate 102 using compression bonding. Sufficientforce is applied in order to cause the solder ball 110 to deform andcontact the annular ring-shaped conductive region 122 (and conductiveregion 222 in FIG. 2).

As noted above, the UBM structures 120 and 220 are not limited to aparticular pattern or shape for the conductive regions 122, 222 and bondregions 126, 226. FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view of device 10which includes another two-component UBM structure 100 according toembodiments of the invention. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate that there canbe multiple locations for the bond regions 126 and 226 in the UBMstructures 120 and 220.

FIG. 6B depicts a top-down view of the bottom/top two-component UBMstructures according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6B is only apartial view representative of a top view of the UBM structure 120 andrepresentative of the UBM 220 with the solder ball 110 removed. Also,the top and bottom UBM structures 120 and 220 are illustrated as beingthe same, it should be appreciated the locations of the bond regions andthe locations of the conductive region may not be the same. FIG. 6Bshows a checkered pattern of locations for the bond region and theconductive region. It should be appreciated that more or fewer locationsfor the bond region can be used with more or fewer locations for theconductive region. Further, the locations of bond region and conductiveregion can be varied shapes and are not limited to circular shapes andrectangular shapes.

Although some materials have been mentioned herein, there are variousmaterials that can be utilized as the bond regions 126, 226 and theconductive regions 122, 222 and the materials can be changed accordingto the mechanical bonding process. Direct or fusion bonding can be usedto bond the solder ball/bump 110 to the UBM structures 120, 220. Director fusion bonding is utilized for chemical joining of dielectric andmetallic surfaces. This type of process in can include anodic bonding,surface activation/pressure treatment, pressure/heat, ultrasound, laserweld, and an ultrahigh vacuum. Example materials of the bond region 126,226 can include silicon, silicon oxide, glasses, stainless steel, etc.

Another type of bonding is solder bonding, solder bonding is the joiningof wettable surface(s) (such that the material of the bond region 126,226) with metal or metallic alloys that typically have a liquidustemperature around 300° C. or below. This type of process can includeenable wetting of the solder to a wettable surface(s) and applying thesolder material can include some combination of mechanical, thermal,pressure and/or chemical processes. Some common process names arereflow, thermocompression bonding, cold-welding, transient liquid phasediffusion bonding, and ultrasonic bonding. Example solder materials caninclude Pb, Ag, Sn, In, Bi, Ga, Cu, Au, Cd, Zn, and/or combinationsthereof. Examples material for wettable surfaces can include Sn, Cu, Cd,Au, Pd, Rh, Ni, Pb, Zn, Ag, Pt, and/or combinations thereof.

Another type of bonding is adhesive bonding. Adhesive bonding ischemically bonding two surfaces together through covalent and/orattractive intermolecular forces such as van der Waals or polar forces.This process is pressure sensitive and can include a drying processand/or a reactive process. Example adhesives can include acrylics,epoxies, silicones, polyimides, urethanes, cyanoacrylates, etc., andcommon joining surfaces can be almost any material.

Superconductive joints are used for the conductive regions 122, 222. Thesuperconducting joint is comprised entirely of superconductingmaterials. In one case, a very low resistance joint can be used, inwhich the superconductive joints can be comprised of superconductingmaterials, and if designed properly, may contain an insulator withwell-defined geometries in conjunction with superconducting materials(such as when forming a Josephson junction). The bonding processes ofthe superconductive joint is similar to the direct and soldering processdiscussed above. Example superconducting metallic materials (for theconductive region 122, 222) can include To, V, Nb, La, Zr, Ru, Pb, Os,Sn, Hg, Ga, Al, Cd, Mo, Ta, W, Zn, and/or combinations thereof. Exampleinsulator materials can include metal oxides such as, for example,aluminum oxide.

FIG. 7 depicts a fabrication methodology 700 according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Fabrication methodology 700 can be used to formthe bump/UBM structure 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 5B. In block 702,a superconducting metal is deposited on a bottom substrate 102 to forman initial UBM structure 120. In block 704, the initial UBM structure120 is patterned and etched to form a superconducting region and anon-superconducting region in the UBM structure. In block 706, anon-superconducting metal is deposited in the non-superconducting region126 of the UBM structure. In block 708, bump material is deposited onthe non-superconducting metal in the non-superconducting region 126 ofthe UBM structure. In block 710, the substrate is cleaned. In block 712,the bump material is reflowed into a sphere. In block 714, the sphericalbump and the superconducting metal surface are cleaned to remove oxides.In block 716, a top prepared substrate 104 is bonded to the oppositeside of the spherical bump 110 with sufficient force to cause thespherical bump to deform and contact to the superconducting metal in thesuperconducting region 122 of the UBM structure 120.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a fabrication methodology 800 according toembodiments of the present invention. Fabrication methodology 800 can beused to form the bump/UBM structure 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 6A. FIGS.8A and 8B are similar to FIG. 7 except for the formation of both UBMstructures 120 and 122 are discussed in FIGS. 8A and 8B. In block 802, asuperconducting metal is deposited on a bottom substrate 102 to form aninitial bottom UBM structure. In block 804, the initial bottom UBMstructure 120 is patterned and etched to form a superconducting regionand a non-superconducting region in the bottom UBM structure. In block806, a non-superconducting metal is deposited in the non-superconductingregion 126 of the bottom UBM structure 102. In block 808, bump materialis deposited on the non-superconducting metal in the non-superconductingregion 126 of the bottom UBM structure. In block 810, the bottomsubstrate is cleaned. In block 812, the bump material 110 is reflowedinto a sphere. In block 814, a top substrate 104 is prepared having atop superconducting metal/region 222 and a top non-superconducting/metalregion 226 of a top UBM structure 220 (e.g., using operations 802, 804,806). In block 816, the spherical bump 110 and the top/bottomsuperconducting metal surfaces are cleaned to remove oxides. In block818, the top prepared substrate 104 and the bottom prepared substrate102 are bonded to the opposite sides of the spherical bump 110 withsufficient force to cause the spherical bump to deform and contact tothe top and bottom superconducting metal in the top and bottomsuperconducting regions 122, 222 of the top/bottom UBM structure 120,220.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart 900 of forming a device 10 according toembodiments of the invention. At block 902, an under-bump-metallization(UBM) structure comprises a first region (e.g., conductive 122) and asecond region (e.g., bond region 126), and the first and second regionsare laterally positioned in the UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 120).The first region (e.g., conductive 122) includes superconductingmaterial.

At block 904, a substrate (e.g., substrate 104) opposes the UBMstructure 120. At block 906, a superconducting solder material 110 joinsthe first region to the substrate and the second region to thesubstrate.

The UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 120) is arranged such that thefirst region is laterally adjacent to the second region, therebyenabling the superconducting solder material to contact both the firstand second regions. The UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 120) isarranged to have one or more first locations containing the first region(e.g., conductive region 122) and have one or more second locationscontaining the second region (e.g., bond region 126). The one or morefirst locations are different from the one or more second locations. Thesecond region (e.g., bond region 126) comprises a non-superconductingmaterial. The substrate (e.g., substrate 102) comprises asuperconducting circuit (e.g., superconducting circuit 1102 depicted inFIG. 11) connected to the superconducting solder material (e.g., solderball 110), such that the first region (e.g., conductive region 122) iselectrically connected to the superconducting circuit (e.g.,superconducting circuit 1102). A superconducting junction is formedbetween the superconducting solder material (e.g., solder ball 110) andthe first region (e.g., conductive region 122).

FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart 1000 of forming a device 10 according toembodiments of the invention. At block 1002, a firstunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure 120 includes a first region(e.g., conductive region 122) and a second region (e.g., bond region126) wherein the first and second regions are laterally positioned inthe first UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 120). The first UBMstructure (e.g., UBM structure 120) is connected to a first substrate(e.g., substrate 102). At block 1004, a second UBM structure (e.g., UBMstructure 220) includes another first region (e.g., conductive region222) and another second region (e.g., bond region 226), where theanother first and another second regions are laterally positioned in thesecond UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 220). The second UBM structure(e.g., UBM structure 220) is connected to a second substrate (e.g.,substrate 104).

At block 1006, a superconducting solder material (e.g., solder bump 110)joins the first region and the second region (e.g., conductive region122 and bond region 126) of the first UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure120) to the another first region and another second region (e.g.,conductive region 222 and bond region 226) of the second UBM structure(UBM structure 220). The first region and the another first regioninclude superconducting material.

The first UBM structure (UBM structure 120) is arranged such that thefirst region is laterally adjacent to the second region, therebyenabling the superconducting solder material to contact both the firstand second regions. The second UBM structure (e.g., UBM structure 220)is arranged such that the another first region (e.g., conductive region222) is laterally adjacent to another second region (e.g., bond region226), thereby enabling the superconducting solder material (e.g., solderbump 110) to contact both the another first and another second regions.

The first UBM structure (UBM structure 120) is arranged to have one ormore first locations containing the first region and have one or moresecond locations containing the second region. The second UBM structure(UBM structure 220) is arranged to have one or more second locationscontaining the another first region and have one or more secondlocations containing another second region. The second region andanother second region (e.g., bond regions 126 and 226) comprisenon-superconducting material.

The first substrate (e.g., substrate 102) comprises a firstsuperconducting circuit (e.g., superconducting circuit 1102)electrically connected to the superconducting solder material (e.g.,solder bump 110). The second substrate (e.g., substrate 104) comprises asecond superconducting circuit (e.g., superconducting circuit 1104)electrically connected to the superconducting solder material (e.g.,solder bump 110), such that the first and second superconductingcircuits (e.g., circuits 1102 and 1104) are electrically connected viathe first region (e.g., conductive region 122), the another first region(e.g., conductive region 222), and the superconducting solder material(e.g., solder bump 110). A superconducting junction is formed betweenthe superconducting solder material and the first region and between thesuperconducting solder material and the another first region.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the device 10 illustratingfurther details of the top semiconductor substrate 104 and the bottomsemiconductor substrate 102. The bottom semiconductor substrate 102includes superconducting circuit 1102 and the top semiconductorsubstrate 104 includes superconducting circuit 1104. In this example,the superconducting circuits 1102 and 1104 are electrically connected bythe solder ball 110, the conductive region 122 and the conductive region222. In some embodiments of the invention, the top UBM structure 220 maynot be present. It should be appreciated that the circuits 1102 and 1104are not drawn to scale in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 depicts a system 1200 illustrating a cooling system 1202 and thedevice 10 according to embodiments of the invention. The device 10 hasbeen placed into the cooling system 1102 and one or more input andoutput lines 1204 are connected device 10 in the cooling system 1202.The cooling system 1202 can be a cryogenic cooling device, a dilutionrefrigerator, etc. The device 10 is cooled to superconductingtemperatures (low temperatures) that cause that superconducting circuits1102 and 1104, conductive regions 122 and 222, and the solder balls 110to become superconducting. Examples of superconducting temperatures caninclude temperatures below 100 millikelvin (mK), at about 10-100 mK,and/or about 4 K.

Thus, it can be seen from the foregoing detailed description andaccompanying illustrations that embodiments of the present inventionprovide systems, methodologies and resulting UBM structures that arefully superconducting and provide superior mechanical/metallic bonding.According to embodiments of the invention, the UBM includes twocomponents/regions, namely, a bonding component/region and a conductivecomponent/region. The bonding region is electrically coupled andmechanically bonded to a solder bump, and the conductive region is alsoelectrically coupled and mechanically bonded to the solder bump.

According to embodiments of the invention, the mechanical bond providedby the bonding region is superior to the mechanical bond provided by theconductive region. Accordingly, the overall mechanical bond provided bythe novel UBM structure (i.e., the conductive region and the bondingregion) is a superior mechanical bond. In embodiments of the invention,the mechanical bond provided by the bonding region is improved over themechanical bond provided by the conductive region by forming the bondregion from a material that resists oxidation. Accordingly, inembodiments of the invention, the bond region is formed from a materialhaving a lower level of surface oxidation than the material that formsthe conductive region.

According to embodiments of the invention, the electrical couplingprovided by the conductive region is superior to the electrical couplingprovided by the bonding region. One way to measure electrical couplingis resistance. In embodiments of the invention, the conductive region isformed from materials having lower electrical resistance than thematerials that form the bonding region. Accordingly, the overallelectrical coupling provided by the novel UBM structure (i.e., theconductive region and the bonding region) is superior, low resistanceelectrical coupling.

Embodiments of the invention provide novel fabrication methodologies forforming the two-component UBM and attaching the UBM to the bump suchthat the bump contacts the bonding region and the conductive region ofthe UBM structure. In embodiments of the invention, the bonding regionis formed as a circle to match the spherical contour of the bump, andthe conductive region is formed as an annular ring around the circularbonding region. During fabrication, initial contact is made between thebump and the circular bonding region, and the bump is subsequentlycompressed (e.g., during a thermo-compression bonding operation) usingsufficient force to cause the bump to deform against the two-componentUBM structure enough that the bump/UBM interface, in effect, spreadsout, and the deformed bump comes into contact with the annularring-shaped conductive region of the UBM structure. In embodiments ofthe invention, the circular bonding region is thinner than the annularring-shaped conduction region in order to reduce the amount of forceneeded to bring the deformed bump into contact with the annularring-shaped conductive region.

As previously noted herein, for the sake of brevity, conventionaltechniques related to semiconductor device and IC fabrication may or maynot have been described in detail. By way of background, however, a moregeneral description of the semiconductor device fabrication processesthat can be utilized in implementing embodiments of the presentinvention will now be provided. Although specific fabrication operationsused in implementing embodiments of the present invention may or may notbe individually known, the disclosed combination of operations and/orresulting structures of the embodiments of the present invention areunique. Thus, the unique combination of the operations described inconnection with the fabrication of a coupler system according toembodiments of the present invention utilize a variety of individuallyknown physical and chemical processes performed on a semiconductor(e.g., silicon) substrate.

In general, the various processes used to form a micro-chip that will bepackaged into an IC fall into three categories, namely, film deposition,patterning, etching and semiconductor doping. Films of both conductors(e.g., poly-silicon, aluminum, copper, etc.) and insulators (e.g.,various forms of silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, etc.) are used toconnect and isolate transistors and their components. Selective dopingof various regions of the semiconductor substrate allows theconductivity of the substrate to be changed with the application ofvoltage. By creating structures of these various components, millions oftransistors can be built and wired together to form the complexcircuitry of a modern microelectronic device.

Fundamental to all of the above-described fabrication processes issemiconductor lithography, i.e., the formation of three-dimensionalrelief images or patterns on the semiconductor substrate for subsequenttransfer of the pattern to the substrate. In semiconductor lithography,the patterns are a light sensitive polymer called a photo-resist. Tobuild the complex structures that make up a transistor and the manywires that connect the millions of transistors of a circuit, lithographyand etch pattern transfer steps are repeated multiple times. Eachpattern being printed on the wafer is aligned to the previously formedpatterns and slowly the conductors, insulators and selectively dopedregions are built up to form the final device.

In some embodiments, various functions or acts can take place at a givenlocation and/or in connection with the operation of one or moreapparatuses or systems. In some embodiments, a portion of a givenfunction or act can be performed at a first device or location, and theremainder of the function or act can be performed at one or moreadditional devices or locations.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescribed embodiments of the present invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms “at least one”and “one or more” can include any integer number greater than or equalto one, i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms “a plurality” caninclude any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e. two,three, four, five, etc. The term “connection” can include both anindirect “connection” and a direct “connection.”

The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate thefunctionality and operation of possible implementations of systems andmethods according to various embodiments of the present invention. Insome alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block canoccur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocksshown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. The actions can beperformed in a differing order or actions can be added, deleted ormodified. Also, the term “coupled” describes having a signal pathbetween two elements and does not imply a direct connection between theelements with no intervening elements/connections therebetween. All ofthese variations are considered a part of the invention.

The terms “about,” “substantially” and equivalents thereof are intendedto include the degree of error associated with measurement of theparticular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time offiling the application. For example, “about,” “substantially” andequivalents thereof can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a givenvalue.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the presentinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,element components, and/or groups thereof.

While the present invention has been described in detail in connectionwith only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readilyunderstood that the present invention is not limited to such disclosedembodiments. Rather, the present invention can be modified toincorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions orequivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which arecommensurate with the spirit and scope of the present invention.Additionally, while various embodiments of the present invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the presentinvention can include only some of the described embodiments.Accordingly, the present invention is not to be seen as limited by theforegoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising: anunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first region and asecond region, the first and second regions being laterally positionedin the UBM structure such that the first and second regions are inparallel with each other, wherein the first region comprises asuperconducting material; a substrate opposing the UBM structure; and asuperconducting solder material joining the first region to thesubstrate and the second region to the substrate.
 2. The structure ofclaim 1, wherein the UBM structure is arranged such that the firstregion is laterally adjacent to the second region, enabling thesuperconducting solder material to physically contact both the first andsecond regions.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the UBM structureis arranged to have one or more first locations containing the firstregion and have one or more second locations containing the secondregion.
 4. The structure of claim 3, wherein the one or more firstlocations are different from the one or more second locations.
 5. Thestructure of claim 1, wherein the second region comprises anon-superconducting material.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein thesubstrate comprises a superconducting circuit connected to thesuperconducting solder material, such that the first region iselectrically connected to the superconducting circuit.
 7. The structureof claim 1, wherein a superconducting junction is formed between thesuperconducting solder material and the first region.
 8. A structurecomprising: a first under-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprisinga first region and a second region, the first and second regions beinglaterally positioned in the first UBM structure such that the first andsecond regions are in parallel with each other, the first UBM structurebeing connected to a first substrate; a second UBM structure comprisinganother first region and another second region, the another first andanother second regions being laterally positioned in the second UBMstructure such that the another first and another second regions are inparallel with each other, the second UBM structure being connected to asecond substrate; and a superconducting solder material joining thefirst region and the second region of the first UBM structure to theanother first region and the another second region of the second UBMstructure, wherein the first region and the another first regioncomprise superconducting material.
 9. The structure of claim 8, whereinthe first UBM structure is arranged such that the first region islaterally adjacent to the second region, enabling the superconductingsolder material to physically contact both the first and second regions;and wherein the second UBM structure is arranged such that the anotherfirst region is laterally adjacent to the another second region,enabling the superconducting solder material to physically contact boththe another first and another second regions.
 10. The structure of claim8, wherein the first UBM structure is arranged to have one or more firstlocations containing the first region and have one or more secondlocations containing the second region; and wherein the second UBMstructure is arranged to have one or more first locations containing theanother first region and have one or more second locations containingthe another second region.
 11. The structure of claim 8, wherein thesecond region and the another second region comprise non-superconductingmaterial.
 12. The structure of claim 8, wherein the first substratecomprises a first superconducting circuit electrically connected to thesuperconducting solder material; wherein the second substrate comprisesa second superconducting circuit electrically connected to thesuperconducting solder material, such that the first and secondsuperconducting circuits are electrically connected via the firstregion, the another first region, and the superconducting soldermaterial.
 13. The structure of claim 8, wherein a superconductingjunction is formed between the superconducting solder material and thefirst region and between the superconducting solder material and theanother first region.
 14. A system comprising: a device comprising: anunder-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first region and asecond region, the first and second regions being laterally positionedin the UBM structure such that the first and second regions are inparallel with each other, wherein the first region comprises asuperconducting material; a substrate opposing the UBM structure; and asuperconducting solder material joining the first region to thesubstrate and the second region to the substrate; and a cooling systemconfigured to reduce a temperature to a superconducting temperatureassociated with the device.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the UBMstructure is arranged such that the first region is laterally adjacentto the second region, enabling the superconducting solder material tophysically contact both the first and second regions.
 16. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the device comprises another UBM structure comprisinganother first region and another second region, the another first andanother second regions being laterally positioned in the another UBMstructure such that the another first and another second regions are inparallel with each other, the another UBM structure being connected to asecond substrate.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the another UBMstructure is arranged such that the another first region is laterallyadjacent to the another second region, enabling the superconductingsolder material to physically contact both the another first and anothersecond regions.
 18. A method of forming a device, the method comprising:providing an under-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a firstregion and a second region, the first and second regions being laterallypositioned in the UBM structure such that the first and second regionsare in parallel with each other, wherein the first region comprises asuperconducting material; providing a substrate opposing the UBMstructure; and joining the substrate to the first region and to thesecond region with a superconducting solder material.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the UBM structure is arranged such that the firstregion is laterally adjacent to the second region, enabling thesuperconducting solder material to physically contact both the first andsecond regions.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the UBM structure isarranged to have one or more first locations containing the first regionand have one or more second locations containing the second region. 21.The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more first locations aredifferent from the one or more second locations.
 22. The method of claim18, wherein the second region comprises a non-superconducting material.23. A method of forming a device, the method comprising: providing afirst under-bump-metallization (UBM) structure comprising a first regionand a second region, the first and second regions being laterallypositioned in the first UBM structure such that the first and secondregions are in parallel with each other, the first UBM structure beingconnected to a first substrate; providing a second UBM structurecomprising another first region and another second region, the anotherfirst and another second regions being laterally positioned in thesecond UBM structure such that the another first and another secondregions are in parallel with each other, the second UBM structure beingconnected to a second substrate; and joining the first region and thesecond region of the first UBM structure to the another first region andthe another second region of the second UBM structure with asuperconducting solder material, wherein the first region and theanother first region comprise superconducting material.
 24. The methodof claim 23, wherein the first UBM structure is arranged such that thefirst region is laterally adjacent to the second region, enabling thesuperconducting solder material to physically contact both the first andsecond regions; and wherein the second UBM structure is arranged suchthat the another first region is laterally adjacent to the anothersecond region, enabling the superconducting solder material tophysically contact both the another first and another second regions.25. The method of claim 23, wherein the first UBM structure is arrangedto have one or more first locations containing the first region and haveone or more second locations containing the second region; and whereinthe second UBM structure is arranged to have one or more first locationscontaining the another first region and have one or more secondlocations containing the another second region.